WASHINGTON, July 3 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Ahead of Independence Day, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran and retired Lieutenant Colonel, released the following video honoring America's 248th birthday: Click here or above to watch the full video. Ernst's full remarks: "Hi, folks. This is Senator Joni Ernst from the great state of Iowa. "Happy Independence Day! "Today, we celebrate America's birth. "Every single day. But especially toda  more